With the much anticipated Big Bash only a month or so away, we thought we would share our views on the front runners and give you the Simply Cricket pick as the winner, top run scorer and top wicket taker.
Melbourne Stars:
3rd Place in the 2013/14 BBL, topped the Group stage unbeaten.
Key players: Kevin Pietersen, Glenn Maxwell, John Hastings
Verdict: Impressive and Destructive batting line up, bowling may come under pressure at the business end of the tournament. John Hastings bowling will be key to the Stars winning the tournament.
Hobart Hurricanes:
Runners Up in the 2013/14 BBL.
Key players: Ben Dunk (Top run scorer 2013/14), George Bailey, Alex Hales
Verdict: Strong line up, Bat very deep, great experience in Bailey and Darren Sammy. Serious Contenders.
Perth Scorchers:
Winners in the 2013/14 BBL.
Key players: Yasir Arafat, Shaun March, Nathan Coulter Nile.
Verdict: Great Performance to win the final last season, Bowling proved to be strong point and again looks their strength this season. Can they cope without the experience and runs of Simon Katich?
Brisbane Heat:
5th Place in the 2013/14 BBL.
Key players: Cameron Gannon (Leading wicket taker BBL 2013/14), Mitchell Johnson, Chris Lynn
Verdict: Solid looking team without looking like the Big Bash winner. Batting looks a shade light, bowling won’t be too far away.
Melbourne renegades:
6th Place in the 2013/14 BBL.
Key players: Aaron Finch, Jesse Ryder, Fawhad Ahmed
Verdict: Batting line up to match the best, will have plenty of firepower with the bat but bowling will be their weakness. Fawhad Ahmed will need to bowl well if the renegades are to be successful.
Sydney Sixers:
4th Place in the 2013/14 BBL.
Key players: Dwayne Smith, Steven Smith, Doug Bollinger
Verdict: If at full strength all tournament the sixers could surprise a few. Strong batting line up, solid bowlers and electric fielders. Good chance.
Adelaide Strikers:
7th Place in the 2013/14 BBL.
Key players: Shaun Tait, Pollard, Chadd Sayers
Verdict: Bowling looks strong with the likes of Tait and Sayers heading it up, Top order will need to score heavily if the Strikers are going to win.
Sydney Thunder:
8th Place in the 2013/14 BBL.
Key players: Mike Hussey, Dirk Nannes, Jacques Kallis
Verdict: A team that revolves around experience, sure to compete but in our opinion the team most likely to prop up the table (Again)
Summary
Hopefully the above run down will give you an early clue into how the teams are set for the Big Bash, obviously a lot can change between now and the start so keep an open mind. If we were to name our Winner now it would be the HOBART HURRICANES, Melbourne Stars big challengers and Sidney Sixers our tip to out perform their odds. Alex Hales to be top run scorer in the tournament with Nathan Coulter Nile excelling with the Ball. Make sure you check back again soon for more updates, news and reviews from Simply Cricket Ltd
